The beauty in film. Me and my Diana

There is something beautiful about film. In a world where digital images can alter our memories to a state of perceived "perfection", I am grateful for films ability to help us find beauty in the unexpected outcomes of our images and lives. The way film captures the hazy instants and moments, even with all of the imperfections, film seems to reflect more accurately on the memories I hold so dear. 

Happy Birthday Papi! A Song in Your Honor

Dad,

As a teacher, I think it appropriate to share with you the many lessons you have taught me.

1. Follow your heart. Regardless of how irrational or at times impossible a desire seemed, you were able to put it into a realistic dream.

2. Work hard. Do not shy away from physical work or any job offered. And then do it to the best of your abilities.

3. Have a passion. Find something that soothes you and offers a temporary escape from the world. Do not let it consume your life but instead let it bless you.

4. Live according to your priorities. As a girl I remember wondering why my friends never saw their fathers after school like I did. I knew that our family, second to God was the most important thing to you. I never felt as though money, career, friends or hobbies took a precedent over us.

5. It is never to late to learn something new. You always seem to have a new idea up your sleeve and are willing to learn whatever it takes to figure it out.

6. Never preach, instead provide others with the opportunity to receive their own revelations and understanding.

7. Serve others. You never made a show of your service, and I would often only hear of the many remarkable things you did, years after the fact.

8. Be interested and invested in the lives of others. You have an amazing ability to not only talk to everyone but you also gain their trust and confidence in a way that leads to lasting relationships and amazing encounters.

9. Know and understand the scriptures. I love asking you questions about the specific sections because you always seem to have fresh insights, is if you had just read it for the first time.

10. Be happy. Regardless of the stresses you carried, I remember you most often with a smile.


Thank you for the countless dishes washed, weeds pulled, father-daughter interviews, family vacations, childhood dreams fulfilled, band practices, scripture studies, priesthood blessings, and continual love and support.

I love you.

Millie

*Remember we have both only been playing for 2 months* 

Happy Birthday Karina!

Karina,

Although you are my baby sister, you have inspired me for many years.  In your short life you have overcome your obstacles with grace, refined strength and an inspiring power to do good.

I remember going into your room and finding you deep in scripture study. You would ask profound questions and draw conclusions that many adults would overlook. Your example reminds me to ground myself in the gospel daily and live accordingly. 

You were always a voice for peace, though often not heard due to the loud voices of us siblings. You never wanted to harm anyone and sought to make friends with everyone, regardless of apparent differences. You could always find reason to like someone.

Throughout your kidney failure, during the years of your life when most people forget anyone else exists, you never complained. Instead you found ways to serve those who you felt were in greater need. I was serving my mission in Slovenia when I got the call informing me that you were in the hospital and that your expected outcome was at that point unknown. Never before in my life had my heart been shattered the way it was that day. I cannot even recall the events without heaviness in my heart. And yet when I was able to speak with you there was no anger in your voice, just a sacred sorrow. You asked how my mission was going and inquired about the details of my daily life. I felt as though you were more concerned about me and my mission than about your own future. Your strength raised many of us to a higher ground. At the age of 15 you lived with a more eternal perspective than I can even begin to understand.

Karina you are the kind of friend that is always there. You are loyal and honest. You have the coolest sense of fashion I know of. You are down to earth and unashamed of who you are. I often wish I could borrow some of your confidence…and all of your clothes. You are my favorite polka partner and cruisin buddy. Although we haven’t lived together in a very long time, I miss you every day.

I am always impressed with how focused you are on doing good in this world not only in some magnificent way but in small daily acts of sincere goodness. You seem to act out of nothing but pure love.

Karina you have blessed my life in more ways than I can begin to express and you continue to bless more people every day.

I hope this next year is a special one. I love you geenz.

your sister,

Camille